Live Longer: Eat Grapefruit!
Grapefruit is not only a beautiful, fragrant, fruit that’s as delicious as it looks – it’s super-healthy. Like all citrus, grapefruit is high in vitamin C (you can get nearly half a day’s recommended vitamin C intake by eating just half a grapefruit, which has only 41 calories). Additionally, a serving of grapefruit is also high in potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Grapefruits are rich in natural plant compounds called phytochemicals which studies show can help fight stroke and heart disease. Pink and red grapefruit are good sources of beta carotene (a source of vitamin A) and lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to lower your risk of stroke.
Does Grapefruit Help You Lose Weight?
There’s a myth that asserts that a large grapefruit contains a magical fat-burning enzyme that boosts your metabolism and helps you burn calories faster.
In the past, grapefruit has been the very symbol of a “diet” food. Here’s where its reputation drifts into the realm of fable. While this, sadly, is not true, grapefruit’s low-calorie count makes it a favorite among dieters. In addition to being very healthy, it’s high in fiber and water content and so it’s very filling without being fattening. Since it’s also big on taste, dieters get more bang for their buck, feeling fuller on relatively few calories after enjoying a serving of grapefruit.
Turned off by Grapefruit’s tart reputation?
Some people avoid grapefruit, wary of its reputation to make you pucker up. If you’re one of these, you should give grapefruit another try – today’s varieties (like Pittman & Davis’s famous Rio Ruby Red Grapefruit, one of the sweetest grapefruit varieties available) are so sweet you can eat them without a grain of sugar, with a pleasant tartness that counterbalances the sweetness. Our grapefruit’s tartness is just enough to encourage you not to gulp it but to slow down and savor it, which also will leave you feeling more satisfied.
How to Enjoy Grapefruit?
There’s the classic way – that is, splitting the fruit down the middle and eating with a spoon. But if you peel it like an orange and eat it by the section, you get added benefits from the membranes, which are rich in a dietary fiber called pectin. Pectin is a viscous fiber which is known to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Pectin is also a prebiotic that helps promote a healthy gut.
Grapefruit last a long time when stored in the fridge, but it’s tastiest at room temperature, so if you’re going to be eating within a week of getting it you might want to store it on the counter. (You can also let chilled grapefruit come to room temperature before digging in). Try it in a salsa with chopped bell peppers and cilantro. Served over fish, this fresh salsa adds crisp, refreshing flavor. You can also add the sections to a green salad along with slices of avocado for a heart-healthy treat.
When it comes to fruits, grapefruit is a wise (and flavorful!) choice for boosting longevity. Enjoy!
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For nearly a century, Pittman & Davis has shared the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. From tree-ripened citrus to smoked meats, pastries, and handcrafted specialties, every gift reflects the land it comes from, the people who craft it, and the unforgettable taste it delivers.
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